Blue Jays radio host Jerry Howarth, 70, has prostate cancer

Toronto Blue Jays play-by-play radio announcer Jerry Howarth, 70, will have cancer surgery next week to remove a small tumour in his prostate.

Howarth, who had high prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood levels five years ago, told CTV that the growth was detected by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam after a biopsy failed to find any cancer.

The voice of the Blue Jays for 36 seasons, Howarth is supporting a study by his cancer specialist, Dr. Robert Nam of Sunnybrook's Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto, to determine the best method for prostate cancer screening.

According to Prostate Cancer Canada, the disease is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, although death rates have been declining significantly since 2003 due to improved testing and better treatment options.

"The Blue Jays wish the incomparable Jerry Howarth a speedy recovery in his fight against prostate cancer. Hope to see you in the booth soon!," the team said Wednesday on Twitter.

Last week, Howarth was honoured by Sports Media Canada for his broadcasting work and in 2012 was the recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame's Jack Graney Award for his contributions to the game.

In 1981, Howarth moved to Toronto after a stint with KWMS Radio in Salt Lake City and became one of the MLB team's radio broadcasters with Tom Cheek.

Cheek died in October 2005 at age 66 from brain cancer.

He didn't miss a single broadcast in 27½ seasons, a streak encompassing 4,306 regular-season games plus 41 playoff contests.

The Blue Jays open their pre-season schedule on Feb. 25 against the Atlanta Braves in Orlando, Fla. Toronto will play its first home game of the spring the next day against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dunedin's Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

Toronto's season opener is scheduled for April 3 at Baltimore.